Waistbands having Absorbent, Wicking, Expandable Bandrolls and Garments With Same

ABSTRACT

A waistband for a garment includes a bandroll having an absorption layer and a wicking layer. The wicking layer controls stretch properties of the absorption layer. The waistband comprises a second material and wherein a shrinkage of a material substrate of the bandroll substantially matches a shrinkage of the second material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/093,604 filed Nov. 9, 2020, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,034,130 onJun. 15, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/574,749, filed Sep. 18, 2019, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,828,864on Nov. 10, 2020, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Patentapplication No. 62/775,841, filed Dec. 5, 2018, the entire contents ofeach of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/339,994, filed Jun. 5, 2021, which is a continuation ofPCT/IB2019/059858, filed Nov. 16, 2019, and published as WO/2020/115588on Nov. 6, 2020. PCT/IB2019/059858 is a continuation of Ser. No.16/574,749, filed Sep. 18, 2019, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,828,864 onNov. 10, 2020, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent application No.62/775,841, filed Dec. 5, 2018. The entire contents of each of theseapplications (Ser. No. 17/093,604, 16/574,749, 62/775,841,PCT/IB2019/059858, and 17/339,994) are hereby fully incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

This patent document contains material subject to copyright protection.The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of this patentdocument or any related materials in the files of the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates garments and garment manufacture. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to expandable bandrolls havingabsorption and wicking properties, and waistbands and garments withsame.

BACKGROUND

Some garments have an added inner waistband or curtain made from or withelastic to try to help their performance. Over time, these innerwaistbands may stretch out and become misshapen. This may be a result ofthe wearer's body temperature. The elastic was added to make thegarments more comfortable, to avoid excessive stretching, and to providesome recovery from stretching out and deformation of the garments'waistbands.

Elastic waistbands include rubber, and over time, as the waistbands areused, the rubber within the elastic may lose its recovery properties,begin to loosen and eventually break down completely. Laundering (e.g.,washing and drying with heat) may accelerate the breakdown of the rubberand thereby of the elastic.

In addition, elastic waistbands tend to trap body heat, causing thewearer to become hot and uncomfortable.

Furthermore, elastic has poor (if any) absorption properties, and assuch, moisture (e.g., perspiration) in the wearer's waist area may notbe adequately absorbed, causing further discomfort.

Further, even if combined with some absorption, an elastic waistband (ora waistband having an elastic portion against the wearer's body) willnot wick moisture away from the wearer.

It is desirable and an object hereof to provide garments with awaistband that expands around the waist, as needed to improve comfort,while keeping its shape, and for waistband to return to its originallength and size after expansion.

It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide an expandablewaistband that has beneficial absorption and wicking properties.

It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide an expandablewaistband that is breathable to allow heat to escape.

SUMMARY

The present invention is specified in the claims as well as in the belowdescription.

These features along with additional details of the invention aredescribed further in the examples herein, which are intended further toillustrate the invention but are not intended to limit its scope in anyway.

One general aspect includes a bandroll for a waistband for a garment,the bandroll including: an absorption layer and a wicking layer.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, aloneor in combination(s):

-   -   The bandroll where the wicking layer includes a fusible        substrate.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate includes a wicking        fusible substrate.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate includes a two-way        stretch fusible substrate.    -   The bandroll where the wicking layer includes wicking fibers.    -   The bandroll where the wicking fibers include polyester fibers.    -   The bandroll where the wicking layer provides memory to the        bandroll.    -   The bandroll where absorption layer includes a material        substrate having absorptive fibers.    -   The bandroll where the absorptive fibers include one or more of:    -   cotton fibers and/or hemp fibers and/or bamboo fibers.    -   The bandroll where stretch properties of the absorption layer        are due, at least in part, to the material substrate being        compacted.    -   The bandroll where at least some of the material substrate is        cut on a bias thereof.    -   The bandroll where at least some of the material substrate has        stretch by mechanical stretch and/or comprises an elastic        polyurethane fiber or fabric (e.g., elastane-Lycra).    -   The bandroll where stretch properties of the absorption layer        are due, at least in part, from the material substrate being cut        on a bias thereof.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer comprises cotton,        preferably 100% cotton, or, less preferably, about 90% to 50%        cotton.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer includes a mix of cotton        and polyester.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer includes about 65%        cotton and 35% polyester, or, less preferably about a 60/40        cotton/polyester ratio or, less preferably about a 50/50        cotton/polyester ratio.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer includes a material        substrate was compacted prior to being combined with the wicking        layer.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer has stretch properties,        and where said wicking layer controls said stretch properties of        said absorption layer.    -   The bandroll where absorption layer includes a material selected        from a group including: cotton, poly-cotton, a compacted woven        material, and a compacted knit material.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the absorption layer is        perforated.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the absorption layer is        uniformly perforated.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer is uniformly perforated        along a length thereof.    -   The bandroll where different portions of the absorption layer        have different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the wicking layer is        perforated.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the wicking layer is        uniformly perforated.    -   The bandroll where the wicking layer is uniformly perforated        along a length thereof.    -   The bandroll where at different portions of the wicking layer        have different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the bandroll is        perforated.    -   The bandroll where the bandroll is uniformly perforated along a        length thereof.    -   The bandroll where different portions of the bandroll have        different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where the absorption layer combined with the        wicking layer is fused with the wicking layer.

Another general aspect includes a bandroll for a waistband for agarment, the bandroll including: a material substrate fused with afusible substrate, where the fusible substrate has wicking properties,and where the material substrate has absorption properties.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, aloneor in combination(s):

-   -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate includes a wicking        fusible substrate.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes absorptive        fibers.    -   The bandroll where the absorptive fibers include one or more of:        cotton fibers and/or hemp fibers and/or bamboo fibers.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate includes wicking        fibers.    -   The bandroll where the wicking fibers include polyester fibers.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate comprises cotton,        preferably 100% cotton, or, less preferably, about 90% to 50%        cotton.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes a mix of        cotton and polyester.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes about 65%        cotton and 35% polyester or, less preferably about a 60/40        cotton/polyester ratio or, less preferably about a 50/50        cotton/polyester ratio.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate was compacted prior to        being fused with the fusible substrate.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate has stretch        properties, and where said fusible substrate controls said        stretch properties of said material substrate.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes a fabric, and        where stretch properties of the material substrate are due, at        least in part, to the fabric being compacted.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes a fabric, and        where at least some of the fabric is cut on a bias thereof.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes a fabric, and        where stretch properties of the material substrate are due, at        least in part, from the fabric being cut on a bias thereof.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate includes a fabric, and        the fabric has stretch by mechanical stretch or comprises an        elastic polyurethane fiber or fabric (e.g., elastane-Lycra).    -   The bandroll where the material substrate is selected from a        group including: cotton, poly-cotton, a compacted woven        material, and a compacted knit material.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate includes a two-way        stretch fusible substrate.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate provides memory and/or        performance to the bandroll.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the material substrate        is perforated.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the material substrate        is uniformly perforated.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate is uniformly        perforated along a length thereof.    -   The bandroll where different portions of the material substrate        have different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the fusible substrate        is perforated.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the fusible substrate        is uniformly perforated.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate is uniformly perforated        along a length thereof.    -   The bandroll where at different portions of the fusible        substrate have different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where at least a portion of the bandroll is        perforated.    -   The bandroll where the bandroll is uniformly perforated along a        length thereof.    -   The bandroll where different portions of the bandroll have        different degrees of perforation.    -   The bandroll where the perforations form and/or comprise one or        more repeating patterns.    -   The bandroll where the perforations form and/or comprise one or        more repeating logos and/or text.    -   The bandroll where the waistband is a straight waistband.    -   The bandroll where the waistband is a curved waistband.    -   The bandroll where the waistband includes a second material and        where a shrinkage of the material substrate substantially        matches a shrinkage of the second material.    -   The bandroll where the material substrate is compacted an amount        generally equal to a shrinkage of the material substrate minus a        shrinkage of the second material.    -   The bandroll where the shrinkage of the material substrate is in        the range about 2% to about 15%, and the shrinkage of the second        material is the range about 2% to about 15%.    -   The bandroll where the fusible substrate has shrinkage equal to        shrinkage of the second material.    -   The bandroll where the garment is selected from a group        including: pants, shorts, overalls, and skirts.

Another general aspect includes a waistband including a bandrollaccording the aspects noted above. Implementations of this waistbandaspect may include one or more of the following features, alone or incombination(s):

-   -   The waistband where the waistband includes a second material and        where the material substrate and the second material have        substantially the same shape and size.    -   The waistband where the second material includes an outer layer        of the waistband and the bandroll includes an inner layer of the        waistband.    -   The waistband where the bandroll provides memory to the        waistband.    -   The waistband where the bandroll provides wicking and        absorption.    -   The waistband where the waistband is a curved waistband.    -   The waistband where the waistband is a straight waistband.

Another general aspect includes the garment of any one of the precedingwaistband aspects. Implementations may include one or more of thefollowing features, alone or in combination(s):

-   -   The garment where the second material is selected from a group        including: a pant fabric, cotton, poly-cotton, linen, denim, a        compacted woven material, and a compacted knit material.    -   The garment where the second material includes a fabric that is        the same as a fabric of the garment.    -   The garment where the garment is selected from a group        comprising: pants, shorts, overalls, and skirts.

Another general aspect includes a method of making a bandroll any one ofthe preceding bandroll claims.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features, aloneor in combination(s):

-   -   The method including: (a) positioning a fusible substrate on a        material substrate.    -   The method may also include (b) fusing said fusible substrate        and said material substrate to form a fused combination.    -   The method may also include (c) spooling said fused combination        as a spool of bandrolls.    -   The method further including: compacting said material substrate        prior to said positioning in (a).    -   The method further including: perforating said fusible substrate        and/or said material substrate prior to said positioning in (a).    -   The method further including: printing indicia on said fused        combination.    -   The method where said printing is performed before perforating        said fused combination.    -   The method where said printing is performed in conjunction with        perforating said fused combination.    -   The method further including: perforating at least a portion of        said fused combination.    -   The method where the fused combination is uniformly perforated.    -   The method where different portions of the fused combination        have different degrees and/or amounts of perforation.    -   The method where the perforations form and/or comprise one or        more repeating patterns.    -   The method where the perforations form and/or comprise one or        more repeating logos and/or text.

Another general aspect includes a bandroll formed by the method of anyone of the preceding method aspects.

Another general aspect includes a spool of bandrolls formed by themethod of any one of the preceding method aspects.

Below is a list of bandroll embodiments. Those will be indicated with aletter “G”. Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be doneby referring to “G” embodiments.

-   -   B1. A bandroll for a waistband for a garment, the bandroll        comprising: an absorption layer and a wicking layer.    -   B2. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the wicking layer comprises a fusible substrate.    -   B3. The bandroll of embodiment B2, wherein the fusible substrate        comprises a wicking fusible substrate.    -   B4. The bandroll of embodiments B2 or B3, wherein the fusible        substrate comprises a two-way stretch fusible substrate.    -   B5. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the wicking layer comprises wicking fibers.    -   B6. The bandroll of embodiment B5, wherein the wicking fibers        comprise polyester fibers.    -   B7. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the wicking layer provides memory to the bandroll.    -   B8. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein absorption layer comprises a material substrate having        absorptive fibers.    -   B9. The bandroll of embodiment B8, wherein the absorptive fibers        comprise one or more of: cotton fibers and/or hemp fibers and/or        bamboo fibers.    -   B10. The bandroll of embodiments B8 or B9, wherein stretch        properties of the absorption layer are due, at least in part, to        the material substrate being compacted.    -   B11. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B8-B10, wherein at        least some of the material substrate is cut on a bias thereof.    -   B12. The bandroll of embodiment B11, wherein stretch properties        of the absorption layer are due, at least in part, from the        material substrate being cut on a bias thereof.    -   B13. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the absorption layer comprises a mix of cotton and        polyester.    -   B14. The bandroll of embodiment B13, wherein the absorption        layer comprises cotton, preferably 100% cotton, or, less        preferably, about 90% to 50% cotton, or about 65% cotton and        about 35% polyester, or, less preferably, about 60% cotton and        about 40% polyester, or, less preferably, about 50% cotton and        about 50% polyester.    -   B15. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the absorption layer comprises a material substrate was        compacted prior to being combined with the wicking layer.    -   B16. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the absorption layer has stretch properties, and wherein        said wicking layer controls said stretch properties of said        absorption layer.    -   B17. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein absorption layer comprises a material selected from a        group comprising: cotton, poly-cotton, a compacted woven        material, and a compacted knit material.    -   B18. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at least a portion of the absorption layer is        perforated.    -   B19. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at least a portion of the absorption layer is uniformly        perforated.    -   B20. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the absorption layer is uniformly perforated along a        length thereof.    -   B21. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein different portions of the absorption layer have        different degrees of perforation.    -   B22. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at least a portion of the wicking layer is perforated.    -   B23. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at least a portion of the wicking layer is uniformly        perforated.    -   B24. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the wicking layer is uniformly perforated along a length        thereof.    -   B25. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at different portions of the wicking layer have        different degrees of perforation.    -   B25′ The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the perforations form and/or comprise one or more        repeating patterns.    -   B25″. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the perforations form and/or comprise one or more        repeating logos and/or text.    -   B26. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein at least a portion of the bandroll is perforated.    -   B27. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the bandroll is uniformly perforated along a length        thereof.    -   B28. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein different portions of the bandroll have different        degrees of perforation.    -   B29. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the absorption layer combined with the wicking layer is        fused with the wicking layer.    -   B30. A bandroll for a waistband for a garment, the bandroll        comprising: a material substrate fused with a fusible substrate,        wherein the fusible substrate has wicking properties, and        wherein the material substrates has absorption properties.    -   B31. The bandroll of embodiment B30, wherein the fusible        substrate comprises a wicking fusible substrate.    -   B32. The bandroll of embodiments B30 or B31 wherein the material        substrate comprises absorptive fibers.    -   B33. The bandroll of embodiment B32 wherein the absorptive        fibers comprise one or more of: cotton fibers and/or hemp fibers        and/or bamboo fibers.    -   B34. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B33, wherein        the fusible substrate comprises wicking fibers.    -   B35. The bandroll of embodiment B34, wherein the wicking fibers        comprise polyester fibers.    -   B36. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B35, wherein        the material substrate comprises cotton or a mix of cotton and        polyester.    -   B37. The bandroll of embodiment B36, wherein the material        substrate comprises about 65% cotton and 35% polyester, or, less        preferably, about 60% cotton and 40% polyester, or, less        preferably, about 50% cotton and 50% polyester.    -   B38. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B37, wherein        the material substrate was compacted prior to being fused with        the fusible substrate.    -   B39. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B38, wherein        the material substrate has stretch properties, and wherein said        fusible substrate controls said stretch properties of said        material substrate.    -   B40. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B39, wherein        the material substrate comprises a fabric, and wherein stretch        properties of the material substrate are due, at least in part,        to the fabric being compacted.    -   B41. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B40, wherein        the material substrate comprises a fabric, and wherein at least        some of the fabric is cut on a bias thereof.    -   B42. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B41, wherein        the material substrate comprises a fabric, and wherein stretch        properties of the material substrate are due, at least in part,        from the fabric being cut on a bias thereof and/or the fabric        has mechanical stretch and/or comprises an elastic polyurethane        fiber or fabric (e.g., elastane-Lycra).    -   B43. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B42, wherein        material substrate is selected from a group comprising: cotton,        poly-cotton, a compacted woven material, and a compacted knit        material.    -   B44. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B43, wherein        the fusible substrate comprises a two-way stretch fusible        substrate.    -   B45. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B44, wherein        the fusible substrate provides memory to the bandroll.    -   B46. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B45, wherein        at least a portion of the material substrate is perforated.    -   B47. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B46, wherein        at least a portion of the material substrate is uniformly        perforated.    -   B48. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B47, wherein        the material substrate is uniformly perforated along a length        thereof.    -   B48′ The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B48, wherein        the perforations form and/or comprise one or more repeating        patterns.    -   B48″ The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B48′, wherein        the perforations form and/or comprise one or more repeating        logos and/or text.    -   B49. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B49, wherein        different portions of the material substrate have different        degrees of perforation.    -   B50. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B49, wherein        at least a portion of the fusible substrate is perforated.    -   B51. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B50, wherein        at least a portion of the fusible substrate is uniformly        perforated.    -   B52. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B51, wherein        the fusible substrate is uniformly perforated along a length        thereof.    -   B53. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B52, wherein        at different portions of the fusible substrate have different        degrees of perforation.    -   B54. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B53, wherein        at least a portion of the bandroll is perforated.    -   B55. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B54, wherein        the bandroll is uniformly perforated along a length thereof.    -   B56. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B55, wherein        different portions of the bandroll have different degrees of        perforation.    -   B57. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the waistband is a straight waistband.    -   B58. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B1 to B56, wherein        the waistband is a curved waistband.    -   B59. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B30 to B58, wherein        the waistband comprises a second material and wherein a        shrinkage of the material substrate substantially matches a        shrinkage of the second material.    -   B60. The bandroll of embodiment B59, wherein the material        substrate is compacted an amount generally equal to a shrinkage        of the material substrate minus a shrinkage of the second        material.    -   B61. The bandroll of Embodiments B59 or B60, wherein the fusible        substrate has shrinkage equal to shrinkage of the second        material.    -   B62. The bandroll of any one of embodiments B59-B61, wherein the        shrinkage of the material substrate is in the range about 2% to        about 15%, and the shrinkage of the second material is the range        about 2% to about 15%.    -   B63. The bandroll of any one of the preceding embodiments,        wherein the garment is selected from a group comprising: pants,        pants, shorts, overalls, and skirts.

Below is a list of waistband embodiments. Those will be indicated with aletter “W”. Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be doneby referring to “W” embodiments.

W64. A waistband comprising a bandroll according to any one of thepreceding bandroll embodiments.

W65. The waistband of embodiment W64, wherein the waistband comprises asecond material and wherein the material substrate and the secondmaterial have substantially the same shape and size.

W66. The waistband of waistband embodiment W65 wherein the secondmaterial comprises an outer layer of the waistband and the bandrollcomprises an inner layer of the waistband.

W67. The waistband of any one of waistband embodiments W64-W66, whereinthe bandroll provides memory to the waistband.

W68. The waistband of any one of embodiments W64-W67, wherein thebandroll provides wicking and absorption.

Below is a list of garment embodiments. Those will be indicated with aletter “G”. Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be doneby referring to “G” embodiments.

G69. A garment comprising a waistband according to any one of thepreceding waistband embodiments W64-W68.

G70. The garment of embodiment G69, wherein the second materialcomprises a fabric that is the same as a fabric of the garment.

G71. The garment of any one of the preceding waistband embodiments,wherein the second material is selected from a group comprising: a pantfabric, cotton, poly-cotton, linen, denim, a compacted woven material,and a compacted knit material.

Below is a list of method embodiments. Those will be indicated with aletter “M”. Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be doneby referring to “M” embodiments.

M72. A method of making a bandroll any one of the preceding bandrollembodiments.

M73. The method of embodiment M72, comprising:

(A) positioning a fusible substrate on a material substrate;

(B) fusing said fusible substrate and said material substrate to form afused combination; and

(C) spooling said fused combination as a spool of bandrolls.

M74. The method of embodiments M72 or M73, further comprising:

compacting said material substrate prior to said positioning in (A).

M75. The method of embodiments M73 or M74, further comprising:

perforating said fusible substrate and/or said material substrate priorto said positioning in (A).

M76. The method of any one of embodiments M73 to M75, furthercomprising:

perforating at least a portion of said fused combination.

M77. The method of any one of embodiments M73 to M76, wherein the fusedcombination is uniformly perforated.

M78. The method of any one of embodiments M73 to M76, wherein differentportions of the fused combination have different degrees and/or amountsof perforation.

M78′ The method of any one of embodiments M73 to M78 wherein theperforations form and/or comprise one or more repeating patterns.

M78″ The method of any one of embodiments M73 to M78′ wherein theperforations form and/or comprise one or more repeating logos and/ortext.

M79. The method of any one of embodiments M75 to M78, furthercomprising:

printing indicia on said fused combination.

M80. The method of embodiment M79, wherein said printing is performedbefore perforating said fused combination.

M81. The method of embodiment M79, wherein said printing is performed inconjunction with perforating said fused combination.

Below are other embodiments:

B82. A bandroll formed by the method of any one of the preceding methodembodiments.

S83. A spool of bandrolls formed by the method of any one of thepreceding method embodiments.

The above features along with additional details of the invention aredescribed further in the examples herein, which are intended further toillustrate the invention but are not intended to limit its scope in anyway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B show aspects of a garment incorporating a bandroll accordingto exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 2A-2C show aspects of a garment waistband incorporating a bandrollaccording to exemplary embodiments hereof

FIGS. 3A-3B show aspects of garment waistbands incorporating a bandrollaccording to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of aspects of the garment of FIGS.1A-1B;

FIGS. 5, 6A-6C, and 7A-7E show aspects of bandrolls and/or of waistbandsincorporating bandrolls according to exemplary embodiments hereof;

FIGS. 8A-8H show aspects of bandrolls according to exemplary embodimentshereof;

FIGS. 9A-9D depict systems for manufacture of bandrolls according toexemplary embodiments hereof;

FIG. 10 shows aspects of a bandroll according to exemplary embodimentshereof; and

FIG. 11 shows aspects of a garment waistband incorporating a bandrollaccording to exemplary embodiments hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, bandrolls and waistbands are described inconnection with pants. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realizeand appreciate, upon reading this description, that the bandrolls may beconfigured and incorporated with other types of garments such as skirts,dresses, jumpers, one-piece suits, etc. As should be appreciated, thescope of the embodiments described herein is not limited in any way bythe type of garment with which a bandrolls may be configured.

FIGS. 1A and 1B each show a pair of pants 10 having a pant body andincorporating the waistband 12 including a bandroll according toexemplary embodiments hereof. FIG. 1A shows the pants 10 from the frontand FIG. 1B shows the pants 10 from the back. The waistband 12 may beattached to the front of pant body 14, e.g., by being sewn along theline P-P′ on the left and along the line Q-Q′ on the right. Thewaistband 12 may be attached to the back pant body 16, e.g., by beingsewn along the line Q′-P.

The pants 10 may be made with a self-fabric, which may be any generalpant fabric, including denim, cotton, poly-cotton, linen, polyester,etc. The self-fabric may also be rigid material, mechanical stretchmaterial, stretch material (e.g., elastane-Lycra or Spandex) or othertypes of materials or any combination thereof.

The pants 10 may be any pants, including, without limitation, longpants, short pants, three-quarter pants, caprin, mid-calf, or any othertype pants.

Note that in any of the embodiments described herein, the elements ofthe pants 10 (e.g., the waistband 12) may also be attached usingattachment methods other than sewing such as fabric welding, adhesivesor other attachment methods. In addition, the waistband 12 may beattached with different and/or other attachment methods in differentplaces or parts. For example, the connections along lines P-P′ and Q-Q′on the front of the pants 10 (FIG. 1A) may differ from the connectionsalong lines Q′-P in the back of the pants (FIG. 1B). The ends (e.g. endsat P′ and Q) of the waistband 12 may also be attached to one anotherusing any of the methods, or combinations of the methods describedabove. Attachment methods may differ, e.g., in the kind of method (e.g.,stitching vs. welding or the like), or in the kind of stitching. Theconnection of the ends (e.g. ends at P′ and Q) may be optional and mayor may not include attachment mechanisms 18 as described below.

The waistband 12 and other pieces may have border regions (not shown)that can be used for connecting (e.g., stitching) to adjacent pieces. Ingeneral, in the drawings, the waistband 12, waistband pieces, and pantpieces are exemplary in shape and border or stitching regions may not beshown.

Waistbands

The waistband 12 may be a band that may be formed into a loop. Themanner in which the waistband 12 may be formed and the materials thatmay be used will be described in other sections of this specification.FIGS. 2A-2B show general representations of the waistband 12 of FIG. 1Alooking in the direction of arrow A1. In exemplary embodiments hereof,the waistband 12 may be an open loop as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 2B.That is, the waistband 12 may generally have one end at P′ and anotherend at Q, and the ends at P′ and at Q may not be joined together whenthe pants 10 are not being worn. In this way, the junction at P′-Q maybe an open junction that may allow the diameter of the waistband 12 towiden such that the pants 10 may be slipped onto a person's body moreeasily. It may be preferable for the waistband 12 to include anattachment mechanism 18 that may join the ends at P′ and Q (the openjunction) when the pants 10 may be worn.

The attachment mechanism 18 may include a button and a buttonhole (asshown in FIG. 1A), male and female components of a snap, hook and loopmaterial, a zipper and/or any other type of attachment mechanism 18 orcombinations of attachment mechanisms 18. In some exemplary embodiments(e.g. when using a button and a buttonhole as an attachment mechanism18), the waistband 12 may include an extended portion 19 on one end(e.g. the end at P′) that may overlap the other end (e.g. the end at Q)when the ends may be joined. This is shown in FIG. 2B. Note that theextended portion 19 may be configured with the end at Q instead of theend at P′ such that the end at Q may overlap the end at P. Both ends P′,Q, and/or any other ends that the waistband 12 may include, may alsoinclude an extended portion 19 such that any ends may overlap with anyother corresponding ends.

The overlap portion 19 may allow the attachment mechanisms 18 properlyto engage. In the example of using a button and a correspondingbuttonhole, the overlap portion 19 may include the button and the otherend of the waistband (e.g. the end at Q) may include the buttonhole. Inthis way, the button may generally align and engage with the buttonholeto join the ends P′ and Q when the pants 10 may be worn. In someembodiments, the extended portion 19 may be configured with the upperportion of the fly 21 of the pants 10. Note however that the fly 21 maybe optional.

Note that FIG. 2B is meant for conceptual illustrative purposes togenerally demonstrate an open loop with an overlap portion 19 and doesnot depict the attachment mechanism(s) 18.

The waistband 12 may or may not include belt loops, brand labels, sizelabels, decorative elements (e.g. decorative stitching), and/or otherelements.

While FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 2B depict the opening (the open junction) of thewaistband 12 as generally located in the front of the pants 10 at thejunction P′-Q, it is understood that the waistband 12 may include anopen junction that may be located anywhere along the length of thewaistband 12. The waistband 12 may also include more than one openjunction, and the openings may be located in any locations along thelength (or circumference) of the waistband 12. For example, thewaistband 12 may include an open junction on the left side (e.g. inproximity to P in FIG. 1A) and an open junction on the right side (e.g.in proximity to Q′ in FIG. 1A). In this case, the waistband 12 may beformed of more than one piece (e.g. one piece between P and Q′ along thefront, and one piece between Q′ and P along the back). The waistband mayor may not include an attachment mechanism 18 at each open junction.

It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, uponreading this specification, that the exemplary embodiments describedherein are not limited in any way by the location and/or number of openjunctions that the waistband 12 may include, or the type of attachmentmechanism(s) 18 that may be used to generally secure the ends of thewaistband 12 together at the junction P′-Q, or at any other junction orjunctions.

In exemplary embodiments, the waistband 12 may be a closed loop as shownin FIG. 2C. The waistband 12 may be formed of one section or piece, andthe ends of the section may be joined together. For example, thewaistband 12 may have one end at P′ and another end at Q, and the endsat P′ and at Q may be sewn or otherwise joined together to form a closedloop. The waistband 12 may also be formed of more than one section orpiece, and the ends of each section or piece may be joined together toform the waistband 12.

In other embodiments, the waistband 12 may be a closed loop that may bedirectly formed as a loop (e.g. on a loom) and may thereby not includeany open ends (e.g. may not include an end at P′ and an end at Q).

In any event, and in all embodiments described herein, it is appreciatedand understood that the waistband 12 may be formed of any number ofsections and with any number of ends that may be joined together togenerally form the waistband 12, and that the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein is not limited in any way by the number of sections orpieces used to form the waistband 12. In addition, the sections that mayform the waistband 12 may be formed of the same or different materials.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of the waistband 12 laid outgenerally flat (not formed into a closed loop or an open loop). Fordemonstration, the waistband 12 of FIG. 3A may be illustrated as beingformed of a single piece or segment with a width W1, a length L1 and anouter facing surface 20, an upper or top edge 22 and a lower edge 24.The waistband 12 may also be formed of multiple sections or pieces thatmay be joined together to form the waistband 12. In the example shown,the waistband 12 may be generally straight from left (P′) to right (Q).The waistband 12 may also include a constant width W1 along its lengthfrom left (P′) to right (Q) but this may not be required. This waistband12 may be referred to in the art as a straight waistband 12-1. When thestraight waistband 12-1 of FIG. 3A may be formed into a loop (e.g. theopen loop of FIGS. 2A and/or 2B or the closed loop of FIG. 2C), the loopmay have a constant diameter D_(L) along its height. This will bedescribed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4. The length L1of the waistband 12-1 may generally determine the waist size of thewaistband 12 and the pants 10.

The waistband may be a curved waistband 12-2 (also referred to as acontoured waistband) as shown, e.g., in FIG. 3B which shows an exemplarycurved waistband 12-2 laid out generally flat (not formed into a closedloop or an open loop). For conceptual illustrative purposes, the curvedwaistband 12-2 of FIG. 3B may be illustrated as being formed of a singlepiece or segment with a width W2, an outer surface 26, a top edge 28,and a lower edge 30. It can be seen that the curved waistband 12-2 mayinclude a curvature (e.g. the upward facing concave curvature of FIG.3B) from left (P′) to right (Q). The curved waistband 12-2 may also beformed of multiple sections or pieces that may be joined together toform the curved waistband 12-2.

When the curved waistband 12-2 of FIG. 3B may be formed into a loop(e.g. the open loop of FIGS. 2A and/or 2B or the closed loop of FIG.2C), the loop may not have a constant diameter D_(L) along the X-axis

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the aspects of the pants 10 of FIG. 1Aincluding the waistband 12 of FIGS. 1A and 3A or 3B. The waistband 12may be a straight waistband 12-1 (from FIG. 3A) or the curved waistband12-2 (of FIG. 3B). The waistband may be formed into a loop with an outerfacing surface 20, a top edge 22, and a lower edge 24. Because thewaistband 12 may be a straight waistband 12-1, when the ends at P′ and Qare joined (e.g. using an attachment mechanism 18), when formed in aloop, the diameter D1 of the straight waistband 12-1 at the top edge 22may be equal to the diameter D2 of the straight waistband 12-1 at thelower edge 24. It may be preferable that the diameter D2 may generallymatch the top diameter of the pant body 14 such that straight waistband12-1 may be attached thereto. In addition, the outer facing surface 20of the straight waistband 12-1 may generally extend vertically upward.As known in the art, this resulting waistband 12, with equal diametersD1 and D2 at the upper or top edge 22 and the bottom or lower edge 24,respectively, represent the resulting waistband 12 formed from astraight waistband 12-1.

The waistband 12 may be a curved waistband 12-2 (from FIG. 3B) formedinto a loop with an outer surface 26, a top edge 28, and a lower edge30. Because the waistband 12 may be a curved waistband 12-2, when theends at P′ and Q are joined using an attachment mechanism 18 (or otherattachment means), the diameter D3 of the curved waistband 12-2 at thetop edge 28 may be less than the diameter D3 of the curved waistband12-2 at the lower edge 30. In addition, the outer surface 26 of thecurved waistband 12-2 may generally slant inward towards the center ofthe waistband 12-2 as it extends upward. As known in the art, thisresulting waistband 12, with unequal equal diameters D3 and D4 at thetop edge and the bottom or lower edge 28, 30 respectively, representsthe resulting waistband 12 of using a curved waistband 12-2.

It can be seen that the difference between the diameter D3 and thediameter D4 may be proportional to the amount of contour (e.g. generallyconcave) that the waistband 12-2 may include. That is, a waistband 12-2with a higher amount of contour may exhibit a greater difference betweenthe diameter D3 and the diameter D4 compared to a waistband 12-2 with alesser amount of contour.

With the curved waistband 12-2 configured with the pants 10, the curvedwaistband 12-2 may provide for a contoured fit across the hips andmid-section of the person's body while wearing the pants 10.

In other exemplary embodiments, the waistband 12 formed by the curvedwaistband 12-2 may be oriented with the larger diameter D4 as the topedge and the smaller diameter D3 as the lower edge. The circumferencewith the smaller diameter D3 may be joined with the top of the pantbody. The outer surface 26 of the curved waistband 12-2 may generallyslant outwards away the center of the waistband 12-2 as it extendsupward. In this way, the pants 10 may generally include a wider openingat the top of the waistband compared to the opening at the junctionbetween the waistband 12 and the pants 10. This may be preferable forpants 10 and other garments that may have a high waistline.

Note that for purposes of this description, unless specifically statedotherwise, all embodiments, examples, references, descriptions, anddetails pertaining to the waistband 12 will refer to and be applicableto both a straight waistband 12-1 and a curved waistband 12-2.

In embodiments described herein of the waistbands 12-1 and 12-2(collectively and individually also referred to as waistband 12), thewaistbands 12 may or may not include constant widths (e.g. W1 of FIG. 3Aand W2 of FIG. 3B) along their lengths (e.g. L1 of FIG. 3A and thelength along the contour of the waistband 12-2 of FIG. 3B). Thewaistbands 12 may also include widths (e.g. W1 and W2) that may varyalong the lengths of the waistbands 12. For example, a waistband 12 mayinclude a width that may be greater on the left side (in the proximityof P) and on the right side (in the proximity of Q′) of the waistband 12compared to the width of the inner region of the waistband 12 between Pand Q′. In this example, the waistband 12 may have a larger width in theouter left and right hip regions of the pants 10, when worn. It isunderstood that this example is meant for illustrative purposes and thatthe waistband 12 may include any varying width or combinations ofvarying widths along its length.

The waistbands 12 may also include edges (e.g. upper or top edge 22,lower edge 24 in FIG. 3A, upper or top edge 28, and lower edge 30 inFIG. 3B) that may not have linear or smooth contours, but may insteadinclude different angles, ripples, cutouts, forms, shapes or otherelements along the lengths of the waistbands 12. In one example, awaistband 12 may include contours along the upper and lower edges 22, 24that may represent the shapes of flowers along its length. Other shapes,forms, and combinations of different shapes and forms of waistbands 12may also be included and are within the scope of these embodiments. Itmay be preferred that regardless of the shapes, forms, contours, ripplesor other elements that the waistband 12 may include along its length,that the waistband 12 may be generally formed into a loop that may beconfigured with the pants 10 to form a functional waistband 12.

It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, uponreading this specification, that the waistband 12 may include differentcurvatures, shapes and forms across all of its dimensions and lines,including but not limited to, the P-P′, Q-Q′ and Q′-P dimensions andlines, and that the scope of the embodiments described herein are notlimited to the curvatures, shapes or forms that the waistband 12 mayinclude. It will also be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill inthe art that any or all of the details, elements and characteristicsdescribed herein with regards to the waistband 12 are directlyapplicable to any waistband 12 described in relation to any embodimentsherein regardless of the particular shapes, forms, dimensions, positionsor configurations of the waistband 12. It will also be appreciated thatthe waistband 12 of the pants 10 may generally include and/or beconfigured with any portions of the pants 10 as required by the pant 10and/or by the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is also understood that any of the embodiments of the straightwaistband 12-1 and/or the curved waistband 12-2 may include some or anycombinations of the elements of the straight waistband 12-1 and/or thecurved waistband 12-2 as describe herein. For example, a waistband 12that may include a contour along its length as shown in FIG. 3B may alsoinclude a portion of its length that may be straight as shown in FIG.3A. In another example, both a straight waistband 12-2 and/or a curvedwaistband 12-2 may or may not include an attachment mechanism 18, or maybe formed into a closed loop as shown in FIG. 2C. These examples are forillustrative purposes and it is clear that any and all othercombinations of the various elements described herein regardingwaistbands 12-1 and waistbands 12-2 may or may not be included in any ofthe embodiments described herein.

Forming Waistbands

With reference to FIG. 5, a waistband 12 according to exemplaryembodiments hereof, may be formed from an outer piece 32 and an innerpiece 34. The inner piece 34 may be referred to herein as a bandroll orflex panel.

The outer piece 32 may be positioned on the outside of the waistband 12when attached to a garment, when worn, and the inner piece 34 may bepositioned on the inside of the waistband 12 when attached to a garment,when worn. The outer and inner pieces 32, 34 may preferably besubstantially matching in shape and may be overlaid and combined to formthe waistband 12. The waistband 12 may generally encircle the waist whenattached to a garment and worn.

As shown in FIG. 5, the waistband 12 may comprise an outer piece 32 andan inner piece 34 that may be overlaid lengthwise and joined together togenerally form the waistband 12. The outer piece 32 and the inner piece34 may be joined by top and bottom stitching (e.g. along theircorresponding lengths), stitching in other areas (e.g. in the middlealong the length or other areas), using adhesives, fabric welding,grommets or by any other attachment mechanisms or combinations ofattachment mechanisms.

The outer piece 32 may preferably comprise a self-fabric (e.g. the sameself-fabric as used in the garment to which the waistband will beattached), or another type of material, with at least some of the outerpiece 32 preferably having stretch and recovery properties in at leastone direction thereof. Further details of the outer piece 32 will bedescribed elsewhere herein.

As discussed in greater detail below (with reference to FIG. 6A) theinner piece 34 may preferably comprise a material substrate or fabric 38with stretch properties combined with a fusible substrate 40 withstretch and recovery properties. In this way, the inner piece 34 maystretch and recover, where the fusible substrate 40 may providerecovery.

Once combined with the outer piece 32 to form a waistband 12, thebandroll or inner piece 34 may provide stretch and recovery to the outerpiece 32 and the waistband 12.

In exemplary embodiments hereof, the waistband 12 may be formed bycutting a length of a single inner piece 34 from a continuous stream ofbandrolls or inner pieces 34 (e.g. spooled) and combining the singleinner piece 34 with a length of a single outer piece 32. The lengths ofthe inner piece 34 cut from the spooled continuous stream of innerpieces 34 and the outer piece 32 may be the same or similar to thedesired length of the waistband 12 being formed. In this way, the twopieces (outer 32 and inner 34) may be combined to form a waistband 12 ofthe desired length.

The waistband 12 of FIG. 5 may generally correspond to the waistband 12described above with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3B, and 4.That is, e.g., the waistband 12 shown individually in FIG. 5 maygenerally include the shape and form of the straight waistband 12-1. Forpurposes of this description, the process and method by which thewaistband 12 may be formed and the resulting properties of the formedwaistband 12 will generally be described in relation to the waistband 12depicted in FIG. 5. However, it is understood that the waistband 12depicted in FIG. 5 is shown for illustrative purposes and that thewaistbands 12 of the other embodiments described herein (e.g. the curvedwaistband 12-2 of FIG. 3B) may also be formed as described in thisspecification. It is also understood that the material properties andbenefits that may result due to the forming of the waistband 12 asdescribed will apply to all of the waistbands 12 in all of theembodiments included herein.

A. The Outer Piece

The outer piece 32 may be a single-ply of material (a single-ply piece),a double-ply of material (a double-ply piece), or any other number ofplies or types of materials or pieces. It may be preferable that theouter piece 32 be formed into the general shape of the waistband 12 asdescribed above (e.g. the straight waistband 12-1 and/or the curvedwaistband 12-2).

The fabric used to form the outer piece 32 may be any type of fabricthat may be adequate to generally form a waistband 12. The fabric mayalso be a self-fabric that may comprise a general pant fabric,including, for example, cotton, poly-cotton, linen, denim, polyester,etc. The fabric may also be rigid material, mechanical stretch material,stretch material (e.g., elastane-Lycra or Spandex), or other types ofmaterials. The fabric may, but need not be, the same fabric used to formthe garment to which the waistband will be/is attached. A garment mayuse more than one self-fabric.

The outer piece 32 may be a single piece or may comprise two or moresections (pieces) that may be joined together to generally form thelength of the outer piece 32. If a single piece, the outer piece 32 maybe cut in any way, including, e.g., along its length, breadth, or on abias. If sectional, the sections may each be cut in any way, including,e.g., along their length, breadth, or on a bias, and may be joinedend-to-end, overlapping or in other orientations with respect to oneanother to form the outer piece 32. The sections may be cut in differentways with respect to one another. The sections may or may not comprisethe same materials. It may be preferable that with the sections joinedtogether, the waistband 12 may be formed into the general shape of thewaistband 12 as described above (e.g. a straight waistband 12-1 and/or acurved waistband 12-2).

In the example of forming a curved waistband 12, the outer piece 32 maybe formed into the desired contour of the waistband 12. The outer piece32 may be cut, sewn or otherwise formed into the desired curvature as asingle outer piece 32, or may be made up of sections that may be joinedto generally form the desired contour. Each section may include acontour so that the combination of sections joined end-to-end maygenerally form the desired overall contour of the outer piece 32 (aswell as the resulting waistband 12). Cutting smaller contoured sectionsthat may be joined to form the overall contoured outer piece 32 may makebetter use of the area of the fabric and reduce waste. The multiplesections or pieces may be cut in any way (e.g., along its length,breadth, or on a bias) and may or may not be cut the same way withrespect to one another.

The outer piece 32 may also be formed of straight cut sections that maybe joined together end-to-end at offset angles so that the combinationof straight sections at offset angles may generally form an outer piece32 with a desired overall contour. This may be used to form a curvedwaistband 12. The sections may also be joined end-to-end in a straightmanner to generally form a straight outer piece 32 that may be used toform a straight waistband 12. It is clear that any combination ofsections, whether contoured, curved, or straight, may be used in anycombination to form a straight waistband 12-1 and/or a curved waistband12-2.

When forming the fabric used to form the outer piece 32, the fabric maybe cut, knit or otherwise formed into lengths of material generallyhaving a similar or the same desired width of the desired waistband 12(e.g. W1 of FIG. 3A, W2 of FIG. 3B or of any other desired width of anydimensions or combination of dimensions). The lengths of the outer piece32 may be formed into sections that may be substantially longer than L1in FIG. 3A, or than any other desired lengths of other waistbands 12(e.g., twenty-five times the length of an individual waistband 12). Thelengths of the outer piece 32 may then be cut to size as required byproduction, and combined with the inner piece 34 as described below toform a waistband 12.

The outer piece 32 may also be formed in individual lengths generallyequivalent to the desired length of the waistband 12.

The fabric and/or self-fabric used to form the outer piece 32 mayinitially be with or without stretch (e.g., a compacted woven orcompacted knit material or cut on the bias). In some embodiments, theouter piece 32 may be formed by first compacting the fabric and/orself-fabric to give it stretch properties. If the outer piece 32comprises multiple sections or pieces joined together, the sections orpieces may be compacted prior to being joined together to form the outerpiece 32, or the sections and pieces may be joined together to form theouter piece 32 and then compacted, or any combination thereof. The outerpiece 32 may also preferably have stretch and recovery properties in atleast two or more directions thereof. The stretch and recover directionsmay be opposing or non-opposing directions.

B. The Inner Piece (Bandroll)

With reference to FIG. 6A, and according to exemplary embodimentshereof, the inner piece 34 (the bandroll) may comprise a compositematerial that may include a material substrate 38 (e.g. an underlying orinner fabric) and a fusible substrate 40 (also be referred to herein asa fusible 40). The material substrate 38 may be woven, knit, spun, orotherwise formed. The material substrate 38 and the fusible substrate 40may be fused together to form the inner piece 34.

The material substrate 38 preferably has absorption properties. Thus, inexemplary embodiments hereof, the material substrate 38 may includefibers that may be absorbent. Absorbent fibers may include molecules(such as the sugar molecules in the cellulose of cotton, hemp, bamboo,etc.) that when in contact with moisture, may break the moisture'ssurface tension, allowing the moisture to move into the spaces betweenthe fibers and into the fibers themselves. For example, cotton mayabsorb up to 7% of its weight in water that may be regarded in the artas substantial. In one exemplary implementation, the material substrate38 may include absorbent fibers such as cotton, hemp, bamboo, otherabsorbent fibers or any combination thereof. In this way, the materialsubstrate 38 may be an absorbent material.

In exemplary embodiments hereof, the material substrate 38 may comprise100% cotton.

In exemplary embodiments hereof, the material substrate 38 may containother types of fibers, such as synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester,polypropylene) or natural fibers (e.g., Merino wool). In exemplaryembodiments hereof, the material substrate 38 may include a blend ofcotton and polyester. In this way, the material substrate 38 may be anabsorbent material and a wicking material simultaneously. That is, thepolyester fiber content of the material substrate 38 may provide wickingand the cotton fiber content may provide absorption. This may result ina more comfortable waistband 12 having a bandroll 34 that may wick andabsorb moisture away from the wearer's skin.

In exemplary implementations, the material substrate 38 may compriseabout 65% cotton and about 35% polyester. In another implementation, thematerial substrate 38 may comprise about 50% cotton and about 50%polyester. Other proportions of cotton to polyester may also be used,and it is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that thematerial substrate 38 is not limited in any way by the proportions ofcotton (or other absorbent fibers) to other materials (e.g., polyester)contained within the material substrate 38. It is also understood thatthe material substrate 38 may comprise other materials in addition to orinstead of the polyester, and in similar or different proportions withrespect to the cotton (or other absorbent fibers) content.

The fabric or material substrate 38 may be a single-ply of material, adouble-ply of material, or any other number of plies or types ofmaterials or pieces. In addition, the fabric or material substrate 38may be cut in any way, including, e.g., along its length, breadth, or ona bias thereof.

The material substrate 38 preferably has stretch properties. Thesestretch properties may be imparted by the cut of the material substrate38 (e.g., on a bias thereof) and/or by the fabric or material used toform the material substrate 38.

The fusible substrate 40 preferably has wicking properties. Thus, thecombination of the fusible substrate 40 (with wicking properties) and amaterial substrate 38 (with absorption properties) results in a bandroll34 that may wick and absorb moisture away from a wearer's skin. Wickinggenerally refers to the action of drawing moisture (e.g., perspiration)away from a wearer's skin, typically through the process of capillaryaction.

When combined with an outer piece 32 to form a waistband 12, the innerpiece 34 may be positioned with the fusible side (i.e., the side of theinner on which the fusible was positioned) adjacent the outer piece 32(per the waistband 12 in FIG. 6B), so that the material substrate 38 maybe adjacent or touching the body of a wearer. That is, when used with agarment, the absorption side of the bandroll 34 is preferably againstthe wearer, whereas the wicking side of bandroll is adjacent the outer.In that way, moisture (e.g., perspiration) from the wearer may beabsorbed by the material substrate 38 and then wicked away by thefusible 40.

The fabric or material substrate 38 may also be referred to as anabsorption layer or substrate, and the fusible substrate 40 may also bereferred to as a wicking layer or substrate, e.g., as shown in FIG. 6C.Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading thisdescription, that the absorption layer/substrate may also have somewicking properties and the wicking layer/substrate may have someabsorption properties.

The fusible substrate 40 may preferably be a two-way fusible substrate40, although other fusible substrates 40 (e.g., one-way, four-way orn-way fusible substrates 40 where an n-way fusible substrate 40 is afusible substrate 40 that provides stretch and recovery in n directions,and n may equal any number) may also be used and are contemplated. Atwo-way fusible substrate may be a fusible substrate that providesstretch and recovery in two directions thereof (preferably innon-opposing directions), typically, but not necessarily, perpendicularto each other. The directions may also be opposing directions. A two-wayfusible substrate may also be referred to as a two-way stretch fusibleor a two-way stretch fusible substrate. In general, an n-way fusiblesubstrate may also be referred to as an n-way stretch fusible or ann-way stretch fusible substrate.

For the purposes of this discussion, one of the stretch (and recovery)directions may be referred to as a horizontal direction. The fusedmaterial (e.g., the bandroll or inner 34) formed by fusing the fabric 38with a fusible substrate 40 may preferably be formed with the horizontaldirection of the fusible substrate substantially along the length of thebandroll 34.

As used herein, with reference to the stretch (and/or recovery)properties of a material, a direction may refer to a single directionwith respect to a particular point or location or orientation or tosubstantially opposing directions with respect to that particular pointor location or orientation. The term “opposing directions” refers todirections that are at or about 180 degrees opposed to each other. Inother words, directions that are substantially opposed to each other.Thus, e.g., with respect to a mid-point on the waistband 12, aparticular fabric having horizontal stretch (and recovery) may havestretch (and recovery) to the left and right (i.e., in two opposingdirections).

In some preferred embodiments, the fusible substrate 40 may be a two-wayfusible substrate having greater stretch in the horizontal or lengthdirection thereof, preferably about 90% horizontal stretch, with theother direction of stretch being about 10%. In other preferredembodiments, the two-way fusible substrate 40 may have somewhat equalstretch and recovery in the horizontal and vertical directions. Thetwo-way fusible substrate 40 may also have other amounts of stretch andrecovery in the horizontal direction compared to the vertical direction,and the scope of the embodiments described herein is not limited by theamounts of stretch and recovery that the fusible substrate 40 may havein any direction with respect to any other direction.

The material formed by fusing the fabric 38 with a fusible substrate 40may be referred to as performance material. As used herein, aperformance material is a material having stretch and recoveryproperties.

Perforations

In some exemplary embodiments, one or more layers of the bandroll 34 mayinclude perforations.

FIG. 7A shows an un-perforated inner/bandroll 34 (and waistband 12)according to exemplary embodiments hereof, with an outer fabric or outerpiece 32 and a bandroll or inner 34, where the inner 34 is formed from afabric 38 (preferably having absorption properties) combined (e.g.,fused) with a fusible substrate 40 (preferably having wickingproperties), e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B.

Various non-limiting examples of perforations in the bandroll (or partsthereof) are shown in the drawings in FIGS. 7B-7E.

In the example bandroll 34′ (and waistband 12′) in FIG. 7B, the fusiblesubstrate 40′ is perforated, while the other layer (i.e., fabric 38) isnot. In the drawing in FIG. 7B the vertical bars represent holes orperforations in the fusible substrate 40′, passing through the fusiblesubstrate 40′. The resulting bandroll 34′ has perforations through thefusible part (i.e., through fusible substrate 40′), but not necessarilythrough the fabric 38.

In the example in FIG. 7C, the inner piece or inner 34″ (comprisingfusible substrate 40′ and the fabric 38′) is perforated through both thefusible substrate 40′ and the fabric 38′. Note that in this example, theperforations align and are preferably formed after the fusible andfabric are fused (see, e.g., FIGS. 9C-9D).

In the example inner 34′″ of FIG. 7D, the fabric 38′ is perforated whilethe fusible 40 is not.

In the example inner 34″″ of FIG. 7E, both the fabric 38′ and fusiblesubstrate 40′ are both perforated, but the perforations are not aligned.This may be formed, e.g., by perforating each layer (i.e., fabric 38′and fusible substrate 40′) separately and before joining them.

Although not shown, the outer 32 may also be perforated, eitherseparately or after being joined with the inner.

Perforations may be provided over the entire length and/or width of aninner piece or inner 34 or over portions and/or layers thereof (e.g.,material substrate 38 and/or fusible 40). In some cases, differentdegrees of perforations may be provided over different portions of thewaistband.

FIGS. 8A-8H show various non-limiting examples of perforations and/orperforation patterns according to exemplary embodiments hereof. Forexample, FIGS. 8A-8B show repeating patterns of perforations.Perforations in the bandroll or a bandroll layer may comprise patternscorresponding, e.g., to text, logos, etc., e.g., as shown in FIGS.8A-8H. In the examples of FIGS. 8D-8H, some of the perforations may spana substantial portion of the width of the bandroll or a bandroll layer.In the example in FIG. 8F, the some of the perforations (the oval-shapedperforations) span a substantial portion of the width of the bandroll ora bandroll layer, whereas other perforations may correspond to a pattern(e.g., a logo or the like). In the example in FIG. 8H, the perforationscomprise an alternating pattern of oval-shaped perforations and otherperforations forming the letter “T”. Perforations in the bandroll or abandroll layer may be of any shape, size, or orientation. Theperforations in a bandroll or a bandroll layer need not all be the sameshape, size, or orientation. The perforations may form a repeatingpattern. Perforations may be formed at specific locations in thebandroll to correspond to locations on the garment when worn. In thismanner, perforations may be used to aid wicking.

Wicking may be provided over the entire length and/or width of awaistband or over portions thereof. In some cases, different degrees ofwicking may be provided over different portions of the waistband.

Forming Bandrolls

The material substrate 38 and the fusible 40 may be cut, knit, woven,spun or otherwise formed into lengths of material generally having asimilar or the same desired width as the bandroll 34 and/or a waistband12 with which the bandroll is to be used (e.g. W1 of FIG. 3A, W2 of FIG.3B). The fabric 38 and/or the fusible 40 may also be formed into otherlengths.

The underlying fabric of material substrate 38 may initially be with orwithout stretch. In some embodiments, the bandroll 34 may be formed byfirst compacting the underlying fabric of material substrate 38 to giveit stretch properties, and then combining the compacted underlyingfabric of material substrate 38 with the fusible substrate 40 (tocontrol and give memory to the stretch imposed by the compaction). Asshould be appreciated, the underlying fabric of material substrate 38may have the capacity to extend, and that the extension and recovery maybe affected by the fusible substrate 40.

In exemplary embodiments, the lengths of the fabric or materialsubstrate 38 and the lengths of the fusible 40 may each be formed intosections that may be substantially longer than L1 in FIG. 3A (e.g.twenty-five times the length of an individual waistband 12). In thisway, the resulting waistbands 12 may be produced in bulk (as acontinuous stream) to be then cut into desired lengths during themanufacturing process of the pants 10.

To achieve this, the underlying material substrate 38 and/or the fusible40 may be directly formed into the lengths desired, or may be formed inshorter sections that may be combined end-to-end (or in any other way ororientation) to form the desired lengths.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict exemplary systems for manufacture of continuousbandrolls according to embodiments hereof. It is understood by a personof ordinary skill in the art that the systems shown and described areillustrative, and that the system may comprise more than one individualsystem or combinations of systems. In addition, any of the actsdescribed may be performed by any number of systems.

The underlying material substrate 38 and the fusible substrate 40 mayeach be provided on spools, rolls, troughs or the like which may bepositioned to feed appropriate amounts of the material substrate 38 andfusible substrate 40 into a fusing press or fuser 54, substantiallytension free. The spools may be positioned such that the fusiblesubstrate 40 is appropriately located on top (or bottom) of theunderlying material substrate 38.

As shown in the exemplary system 50 in FIG. 9A, the material substrate38 may already be compacted or it may be fed into a compactor 52 to becompacted prior to being fused with the fusible substrate 40 (by fuser54) The amount of compaction of material substrate 38 may depend on theapplication, as will be described in other sections hereof.

The material substrate 38 and the fusible substrate 40 may next be fedinto a fuser or fusing press 54. Before entry to the fuser 54, thefusible substrate 40 may be positioned on top of the compacted fabric42, e.g., by aligning the center longitudinal axis of the fusible 40with the center longitudinal axis of the underlying material substrate38 along their respective lengths (e.g. along L1 of FIG. 3A). The fabric38 and the fusible 40 may then be fused together to form the bandroll34. The fusible 40 may also be positioned on the bottom of the materialsubstrate 38 before being fed into the fusing press 54. A guidemechanism (not shown) may be positioned in front of fusing press 54 inorder to position the fusible substrate 40 with the material substrate38.

The fusing press or fuser 54 may fuse the material substrate 38 andfusible substrate 40 together under conditions (e.g., at temperature,pressure, and speed) appropriate for the materials being used. Those ofordinary skill in the art will know and understand what settings to usefor the fuser 54 based on the materials being used for the underlyingmaterial substrate 38 and the fusible substrate 40. The output of thefuser 54 may be a fused combination 34 comprising the underlyingcompacted material substrate 38 and the fusible substrate 40 (e.g., thebandroll 34 of FIG. 7A).

After exiting the fuser 54, the fused combination (a stream ofbandrolls) 34 may be cooled by passing through a cooler 56. The cooler56 may be a dedicated cooler (e.g. a refrigeration unit) or may comprisecooling bins, cooling troughs, and/or spacing between the equipmentcomponents. The resulting stream of bandrolls 34 may be substantiallylonger than a single waistband (e.g., twenty-five times the length of anindividual waistband 12), and may be referred to as a continuous streamof bandrolls 34. The continuous stream of bandrolls 34 may then becollected, for example, by a spooler 58, and wound onto rolls or spools60, or may be cut to measurement.

The continuous stream of bandrolls 34 may be later cut to the desiredlengths and formed with outer pieces 32 to form waistbands 12. This mayallow for long lengths of bandrolls 34 to be more easily transported,stored and utilized. For example, the spooled bandrolls 34 may beprovided to an entity that may manufacture garments to be used to formthe inner layer of the garment waistbands 12. Accordingly, the entitymay receive the spooled stream of bandrolls 34, and subsequently, asneeded for production, cut the stream of bandrolls 34 into lengths asrequired for each garment (e.g., pair of pants or the like). Thecontinuous stream of bandrolls 34 may also be provided in other waysthat may be appropriate depending on the lengths of the continuousstreams of bandrolls 34.

In other exemplary embodiments hereof as depicted in FIG. 9B, in thesystem 50′, the compacted underlying material substrate 38 and thefusible 40 may be fused by the fuser 54 and cooled by the cooler 56 asdescribed above. The continuous stream of bandrolls 34 may then be fedinto a printer 62 such that graphics, text, logos, barcodes, QR codes,instructions, labels, and other types of images and/or indicia may beprinted upon the bandrolls 34. The surface of the underlying compactedmaterial substrate 38 and/or the surface of the fusible 40 may beprinted. The output of the printer 62 may be a continuous stream ofprinted bandrolls 34′ that may then be collected, for example, by aspooler 58 onto spools 60, or may be cut to measurement.

For purposes of this description, all references to a bandroll and/or acontinuous stream of bandrolls will also refer to a printed bandrolland/or a continuous stream of printed bandrolls, respectively, and thedetails, information and descriptions with reference to a bandrolland/or a continuous stream of bandrolls, whether in the writtenspecification or the figures, will also pertain to a printed bandrolland/or a continuous stream of printed bandrolls, respectively.

The material substrate 38 and/or the fusible 40 used to form thebandrolls 34 may also be formed in shorter sections that may or may notbe provided on rolls. The bandrolls 34 may also comprise sections of thematerial substrate 38 fused with the fusible 40 that may be joinedend-to-end to generally form the bandroll 34.

As discussed above, the bandroll or portions thereof may be perforated,as may the waistbands.

In cases corresponding to the perforated inner 34′ of FIG. 7B, thefusible substrate is perforated, whereas the other layer (the fabric 38)is not. This may be achieved by providing a pre-perforated fusiblesubstrate 40 in the exemplary systems 50, 50′ of FIGS. 9A-9B.Alternatively, a perforator may be positioned before the fuser 54 (e.g.,at location P2 in FIGS. 9A-9B) to perforate the fusible 40 prior tocombining it with the material substrate 38.

For the inner 34″ of FIG. 7C, the bandroll 34″ is perforated (throughboth the fusible substrate 40′ and the material substrate 38′). This maybe achieved by a system 50″ or 50′″ of FIGS. 9C-9D, which are similar tothe exemplary systems 50, 50′ of FIGS. 9A-9B, but may also include aperforator 64, preferably after the cooler 56. The perforator 64 maycomprise one or more rollers or the like to perforate the bandroll 34coming out of the cooler 56. The rollers may have any perforationpattern thereon, including perforation patterns corresponding to text,logos, etc., e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. The output of the perforator64 is a perforated bandroll 34” (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7C).

In the system 50′ shown in FIG. 9D, a perforator 64 may be positionedbefore or after the printer 62, or a perforator 64 may be combined witha printer 62 to both print and perforate. In such case, the combinedprinter/perforator may print a pattern (e.g., indicia, a logo, text,etc.) corresponding to the perforation pattern (or vice versa).

In some cases, only the material substrate 38′ is perforated (e.g., asshown in FIG. 7D). In these cases, the fabric being fed into the fuser54 (in FIGS. 9A-9B) may be pre-perforated or a perforator may bepositioned before the fuser 54 (e.g., a position P0 or P1 in FIGS.9A-9B).

Although either (or both) of the material substrate 38 and the fusible40 may be pre-perforated, additional perforation may be provided (e.g.,individually, at location P2 for the fusible 40 and either P0 or P1 forthe fabric 38).

Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading thisdescription, if perforations are already present in the bandroll exitingthe fuser 54 (either because the fabric and/or fusible were providedpre-perforated and/or because the fabric and/or fusible were perforatedprior to being fused), the system need not (but may) still perforate(using perforator 64 in FIGS. 9C-9D).

In the systems shown in FIGS. 9B and 9D, a printer 62 is positionedafter the cooler 56. Instead (or in addition), with reference again toFIG. 9A, one or more printers may be positioned at position P0 (to printon the material substrate 38 before compaction by a compactor) and/or atposition P1 (to print on the material substrate 38 after compaction by acompactor) and/or at position P3 (to print on the material substrate 38after fusing by fuser 54).

Determining Compaction Amounts and Matching Fusible to Fabric

As described, the fabric 38 may be compacted (e.g., by compactor 52 inFIG. 9D). The amount of compaction exerted onto the fabric 38 may dependat least partially on the type of fusible 40 used and the amount ofdesired or acceptable shrinkage for the bandroll 34.

For the purposes of this specification, the term shrinkage may refer toa change in dimensions across the length and/or width of the fabric,e.g., after washing, usage and relaxing. Shrinkage may be determined asa percentage, e.g.,

Shrinkage percentage=(length of fabric before wash)−(length of fabricafter wash))/(length of fabric after wash)×100

There are various standard test methods used to determine shrinkage. Forexample, AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists)Test Method 135, Dimensional Change of Fabrics After Home LaunderingScope: Determines the dimensional changes of garments when subjected tohome laundering procedures used by consumers. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will realize and appreciate, upon reading this description, thatany method can be used to determine shrinkage, although the same methodis preferably used for all components.

In exemplary embodiments hereof, the shrinkage of the bandroll 34 may begenerally matched to the shrinkage of the fabric used for the outer 32.In this way, the bandroll 34 and the outer 32 may shrink the same or asimilar amount (e.g., when laundered) and may thereby not bind, puckeror otherwise become deformed when the overall shrinkage of the waistband12 occurs. It may be preferable that the outer 32 includes the same orsimilar self-fabric that may form the pants 10 such that the shrinkageof the bandroll 34, the outer 32, the resulting waistband 12 and thegarment (e.g., pants 10) may all be generally matched.

The shrinkage of the bandroll 34 may be matched to the shrinkage of theouter 32 by choosing an appropriate inner fabric for the materialsubstrate 38, an appropriate amount of compaction for the inner fabricand an appropriate fusible 40. In some embodiments, the following actsmay be performed to match the shrinkage of the bandroll 34 with theshrinkage of the outer 32:

-   -   1. Determine the shrinkage of the outer fabric 32. This may also        be the desired and/or acceptable shrinkage of the bandroll 34 so        that the two shrinkages may match. For example, the shrinkage of        the outer fabric may be 4%.    -   2. Choose a fusible substrate 40 with the same (or similar)        amount of shrinkage as the outer fabric 32.    -   3. Choose an inner fabric 38 with shrinkage greater than the        shrinkage of the outer fabric 32 and the fusible substrate 40.        It may be preferable to choose an inner fabric 38 with shrinkage        substantially greater (e.g., 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, etc.)        than the shrinkage of the outer fabric 32 and the fusible        substrate 40. Using the example 4% shrinkage for the outer        fabric 32 in (1), it may be preferable to choose an inner fabric        38 with shrinkage of about 12%.    -   4. Compact the inner fabric 38 an amount equal to difference        between the shrinkage of the inner fabric 38 and the shrinkage        of the outer fabric 32. Using the example numbers above, this        would equate to compacting the substrate 38 about 8% (the amount        of 12%−4%=8%).    -   5. Fuse the inner compacted fabric 38 from (4) with the fusible        40 chosen in (2). Using the example numbers, this may result in        a bandroll 34 with 4% shrinkage (matched to the 4% shrinkage of        the outer fabric 32).

It can be seen that by choosing an inner fabric 38 with substantiallygreater shrinkage (e.g., 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, etc.) than the outerpiece 32 (and the fusible 40), that a greater amount of compaction maybe implemented into the inner fabric 38. It is also understood that thegreater amount of compaction may result in a greater amount of stretch.Given this, it may be preferable to choose the fusible substrate 40 in(2) above that may also include stretch and recovery properties equal toor greater than the amount of compaction implemented into the innerfabric 38. In this way, the inner fabric 38 may stretch the full amountof the compaction and the fusible 40 may provide recovery for the fullamount of the stretch.

Further examples of shrinkage vs. compaction are shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Examples of shrinkage vs. compaction Fabric of Resulting Outer32 Fabric 38 Fusible 40 Compaction Bandroll 34 Shrinkage ShrinkageShrinkage of fabric 38 Shrinkage 3% 12% 3% 9% 3% 5% 12% 5% 7% 5% 8% 12%8% 4% 8% P% Q% P% Q%-P% P%

It is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, upon readingthis specification, that the examples described above are meant forillustrative purposes, and that the fabric 38 may undergo any amount ofcompaction as necessary to result in the desired stretch/recoveryproperties and the desired shrinkage percentages. It is also understoodthat the scope of the bandroll 34 and the waistband 12 is not limited inany way by the amount of compaction applied to the fabric 38 and/or thetype of fusible 40 used. It is also understood that the acts describedabove may be performed in different order, that not all of the acts mayneed to be performed, and that additional acts not described may also beperformed as required.

Properties and Benefits of the Bandrolls and the Waistbands

The resulting bandroll 34 may thereby provide one or more of thefollowing benefits:

-   -   1. By being formed from a fabric 38 that may contain absorbent        fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, bamboo, etc.), the bandroll 34 may        provide absorbent properties. Accordingly, the waistband 12        formed with the bandroll 34 may also provide absorbent        properties.    -   2. By being formed from a fabric 38 that may contain wicking        fibers (e.g., polyester, etc.), the bandroll 34 may provide        wicking properties. Accordingly, the waistband 12 formed with        the bandroll 34 may also provide wicking properties.    -   3. By being formed from a fabric 38 that may include a blend of        absorbent fibers and wicking fibers, the bandroll 34 may be        breathable. Accordingly, the waistband 12 formed with the        bandroll 34 may also be breathable.    -   4. By being formed from a fabric 38 (having at least some        stretch properties) fused with a fusible 40 (having stretch and        recovery properties), the bandroll 34 may provide stretch and        recovery properties to the waistband 12 to which it may be        attached.    -   5. By being formed by a fabric 38 fused with a fusible 40, the        bandroll 34 may have longevity. Accordingly, the waistband 12        formed with the bandroll 34 may also be durable and have        longevity.

Regarding items (1), (2) and (3) above, when configured on the inside ofthe waistband 12 facing towards the body of the wearer, the bandroll 34may wick and absorb moisture away from the wearer's body, thus providinga more comfortable fit.

The details of the above item (4) will be described in further detailwith reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

As shown in FIG. 10, the bandroll 34 (e.g., the continuous stream ofbandrolls 34) may preferably be formed from fabric having stretch andrecovery in one, two or other numbers of directions. In exemplaryembodiments, the bandroll 34 may preferably have stretch and recovery ina substantially horizontal direction (e.g., generally along the lengthof the bandroll 34, generally in the direction of arrowed lines A-A′,E-E′ and I-I′ in FIG. 10, from left to right and right to left in thedrawing). In other exemplary embodiments, the bandroll 34 may preferablyhave stretch and recovery in a substantially vertical direction (e.g.,generally perpendicular to the length of the bandroll 34 (e.g. generallyin the direction of arrowed lines B-B′, F-F′ and J-J′ in FIG. 10, fromup to down and down to up).

In addition (or instead), in some exemplary embodiments the bandroll 34may include stretch and recovery in other directions that may be atdifferent angles (offset angles) with respect to the vertical orhorizontal directions (e.g., in the directions of arrowed lines C-C′and/or D-D′, G-G′ and/or H-H′ and K-K′ and/or L-L′ in FIG. 10). Notethat while the directions of stretch and recovery represented by theangled arrow lines C-C′, D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′ may be shown inthe drawing in FIG. 10 as generally offset at approximately 45 degreeswith respect to lines A-A′ and B-B′, E-E′ and F-F′, and I-I′ and J-J′respectively, the directions of stretch and recovery represented by thelines C-C′, D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′ may be offset at any anglesor any combinations of angles with respect to arrowed lines A-A′ andB-B′, E-E′ and F-F′, and I-I′ and J-J′.

While FIG. 10 may show three constellations of arrowed lines (e.g. oneconstellation comprising arrowed lines A-A′, B-B′, C-C′, D-D′, oneconstellation comprising arrowed lines E-E′, F-F′, G-G′ and H-H′, andone constellation comprising arrowed lines I-I′, J-J′, K-K′ and L-L′)that may represent different directions of stretch and recovery ofbandroll 34, it will be understood and appreciated by a person ofordinary skill in the art, upon reading this specification, that theconstellations of arrowed lines shown in the figure are meant forillustrative purposes, are not to scale and do not represent anyparticular location of stretch and recovery along the length of thebandroll 34. Indeed, any individual point or location on the bandroll 34may have stretch and recovery in any directions or angles thereof.Furthermore, it is understood that the constellations of arrowed linesdepicted may be located at, and may thereby represent stretch andrecovery at, any points or locations along the length or width of thebandroll 34. In addition, any point or location along the bandroll 34may stretch and recover in the same, similar, or different directionsand/or angles with respect to any other point or location along thelength or width of the bandroll 34 or in any combination thereof. Ingeneral, it is understood that the bandroll 34 may have any direction orangle of stretch and recovery at any locations point or position, or inany combination of locations, points, and positions along its widths andlengths.

In addition, it is understood that the bandroll 34 may include stretchand recovery properties in multiple directions and in multiple locationsalong its lengths and widths simultaneously. For example, the bandroll34 may simultaneously include stretch and recovery in the horizontaldirection (e.g. in the direction of arrowed lines A-A′, E-E′ and I-I′)as well as in the directions of any offset angles represented by theangled arrow lines C-C′, D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′. Recall thatwhile the arrowed lines C-C′, D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′ aredepicted as being generally 45 degrees with respect to the arrowed linesA-A′ and B-B′, E-E′ and F-F′, and I-I′ and J-J′ respectively, the angledarrowed lines C-C′, D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′ may representdirections of stretch and recovery at any offset angles with respect tothe arrowed lines A-A′ and B-B′, E-E′ and F-F′, and I-I′ and J-J′. Thebandroll 34 may include stretch and recovery properties simultaneouslyin multiple directions, and each direction may be at any offset anglewith respect to the offset angles represented by the arrowed lines C-C′,D-D′, G-G′, H-H′, K-K′ and L-L′. This example is meant for illustrativepurposes and it is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the artthat the bandroll 34 may include stretch and recovery propertiessimultaneously in any combination of angles and/or directions, and inany location or at any point on the bandroll 34.

While the bandroll 34 may have substantial stretch and recovery in thevertical and horizontal directions, the bandroll 34 may have at leastsome stretch and recovery in any other direction with respect to thebandroll 34. Furthermore, while preferable embodiments have primarystretch and recovery (i.e., the most stretch and recovery) insubstantially the horizontal direction (i.e., along line A-A′, E-E′ andI-I′ in FIG. 10), and/or in substantially the vertical direction (i.e.,along the line B-B′, F-F′ and J-J′ in FIG. 10), other embodiments mayhave primary stretch and recovery in any other directions or angles orin any combination of other directions or angles.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand, uponreading this description, that the direction of a bandroll's primarystretch and recovery may also depend on the type of activities thewearer will perform when wearing the pants. For example, work pants wornas part of a uniform by a delivery driver may need primary stretch andrecovery in the horizontal direction, whereas pants worn by someonebending side-to-side may need primary stretch and recovery at a non-zeroangle from the horizontal (e.g., along lines D-D′ and C-C′, G-G′ andH-H′, and K-K′ and L-L′ in FIG. 10).

While the constellations of arrowed lines in FIG. 10 each show fourgenerally opposing directions (A-A′, B-B′, C-C′, D-D′, and E-E′, F-F′,G-G, H-H′, and I-I′, J-J′, K-K′, L-L′), those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate and understand, upon reading this description, thatany directions or number of directions are possible. Furthermore, theangles between the arrowed lines in FIG. 9 are not to scale orrepresentative of actual angles.

In some exemplary embodiments hereof, it may be preferable for thebandroll 34 to have stretch and recovery of at least 1.5 to 2.0 inchesin the horizontal direction (e.g., along the length of the bandroll 34).However, lesser or greater amounts of stretch and recovery may also beused and are contemplated herein.

The bandroll 34 may be joined with the outer piece 32 with the inner(material substrate 38) facing inward (e.g. facing towards the body ofthe person wearing the pants 10. With the inner fabric (materialsubstrate 38) facing towards the body when worn, the inner fabric 38 mayabsorb moisture (e.g., perspiration) away from the body and the fusiblesubstrate 40 may wick moisture (e.g., perspiration) away from innerfabric 38.

The fabric used to form the outer pieces 32 and the bandrolls 34 mayeach be provided in rolls of substantially long lengths such that theouter piece fabric and the bandrolls 34 may be joined to forms longerlengths of waistbands 12. This may be preferable if the resultantwaistbands 12 may be straight waistbands 12. This may allow for thewaistbands 12 to be formed in lengths equivalent to large quantities ofwaistbands 12. Individual waistbands 12 may then be cut from the longlengths of waistband material to the exact specifications of eachindividual waistband 12. This may reduce the cost of manufacturing aswell as the amount of wasted material.

The outer pieces 32 and the bandrolls 34 may also each be formed inindividual lengths generally equivalent to the desired length of thewaistband 12 and joined together to form the waistband 12 of the desiredlength. This may be preferable if the resultant waistbands 12 may becurved waistbands 12. However, it should be noted that for eitherstraight or curved waistbands 12, the outer fabric/piece 32 and thebandrolls 34 may be provided in long lengths to be joined together toform long lengths of waistband material to be cut to length to formindividual waistbands 12, or in shorter sections to be joined togetherto generally for individual waistbands 12.

In general, the outer piece 32 may be joined with the bandroll 34 toform the waistband 12. In this way, the waistband 12 may be formed of acomposite material that may include a bandroll 34 as at least a portionof the waistband 12 (e.g. the inner layer). The waistband 12 may havethe ability to stretch, and the stretch and recovery properties of thebandroll 34 may affect the waistband 12. For example, as the waistband12 stretches, the stretch and recovery properties of the bandroll 34 mayallow the waistband 12 to recover.

The waistband 12 may also be formed of the bandroll 34 without the outerpiece 32. In this case, the bandroll 34 may generally form the waistband12.

It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art, upon readingthis specification, that with the bandroll 34 comprising at least aportion of the waistband 12, the bandroll 34 may provide all or some ofthe stretch and recovery properties described above with reference toFIG. 12 to the outer piece 32 and to the overall waistband 12. It isalso clear that the resulting waistband 12 may thereby include all ofthe stretch and recovery properties as described above relating to thebandroll 34.

The waistband 12 may be formed into a loop as described above withreference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, and attached to the garment (e.g.,pants) as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 11 depicts a waistband 12looking in the direction of arrow A1 of FIG. 1A. The waistband 12 mayhave expansion and contraction properties (stretch and recovery)generally outward and inward radially along its perimeter orcircumference. Note that while the waistband shown in FIG. 11 mayresemble the closed loop of FIG. 2C, it is appreciated and understoodthat the waistband 12 of FIG. 11 may represent any type of waistband,including but not limited to, an open loop (FIG. 2A), an overlappingloop with an extension (FIG. 2B) (with or without an attachmentmechanism 18), a closed loop (FIG. 2C) or any other type or combinationsof types of waistbands 12.

As represented by the arrowed lines in FIG. 11, the waistband 12 mayexpand in any or all radial directions simultaneously and subsequentlycontract in any or all radial directions simultaneously. It isunderstood that the arrowed lines M-M′, N-N′, O-O′ and P-P′ are meantfor conceptual illustrative purposes and may therefore representdirections and angles of simultaneous radial expansion and subsequentcontraction at any angles and locations or combinations of any anglesand locations about the general perimeter or along the circumference ofthe waistband 12. Note that the radial expansions and subsequentcontractions may be in addition to, or a result of, the stretch andrecovery described above with reference to FIG. 11.

In one example, with the waistband 12 formed as described above, joinedto the pants 10 (e.g. by top stitching the waistband 12 to the top seamof the pants 10), and worn, the waistband 12 may expand substantiallyalong the direction and angle represented by the arrowed line N′, aswell as along offset directions and/or offset angles represented byarrowed lines P and O′, when a person wearing the pants 10 may bendforward. Upon bending back up, the waistband may contract along similaraxis. If the person may then bend to the left, the waistband 12 mayexpand substantially along the arrowed line M as well as along offsetdirections and/or offset angles represented by arrowed lines P and O. Itwill be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the examplesabove are meant for illustrative purposes and that the waistband 12 mayexpand and contract in any directions and/or angles, individually orsimultaneously, and that the directions and/or angles of the individualor simultaneous expansions and subsequent contractions do not limit theexemplary embodiments described herein in any way.

It is understood that the bandroll 34 that may form a portion of thewaistband 12 of FIG. 11 may include all of the expansion and contraction(stretch and recovery) properties described with reference to FIG. 11.It is also understood that the bandroll 34 may provide the describedexpansion and contraction (stretch and recovery) properties to thewaistband 12 as it forms at least a portion of the waistband 12.

A waistband with a bandroll as described herein provides numerousadvantages over prior approaches. When pants 10 are worn, movements madeby the user (e.g., bending over to pick up a box) may cause thewaistband 12 of the pants 10 to become taut and to bind on the personwearing the pants 10. The waistband 12 described herein provides theability of the waistband 12 to expand to better accommodate bodymovements, thus minimizing the tautness and binding of the garment.Having stretched or expanded, when the motion is over the waistband 12is then able to return substantially to its original dimensions (due tothe recovery properties imparted by the bandroll 34). This may provide amuch higher level of comfort to persons who may wear the pants 10configured with a waistband 12 that comprises a bandroll 34 whileperforming duties that may involve moving their body.

In addition, the machinery required to compact and fuse fabrics may beexpensive and impractical to purchase, install, operate and maintain ineach factory that may produce pants 10. Accordingly, it may bepreferable to produce the bandrolls 34 offsite, at a third-partylocation, or generally at a consolidated location that may be optimizedto compact and fuse materials to form the bandrolls 34 as describedabove. In this way, the bandrolls 34 may be produced in large volumeswith high efficiency that may reduce the overall cost of the bandrolls34 and therefore the resulting waistbands 12 and pants 10. The outerpiece 32 may be produced at the pant making facility (e.g. using thepant self-fabric). The bandrolls 34 may then be provided to the maker ofthe pants 10 to be joined with the outer piece 32 to form the desiredwaistbands 12.

It is understood that the outer piece 32 may also be produced offsite,at a third-party location, or generally at a consolidated location thatmay be optimized to form the outer pieces 32 as described above. Thislocation or facility may be the same location that may produce thebandrolls 34, a different location, or any combination thereof. In thiscase, the outer pieces 32 and the bandrolls 34 may be providedseparately to the pant maker to use to form the desired waistbands 12,or may be joined together to provide the pant maker long lengths ofwaistbands 12 that may be cut to the desired length (e.g. provided asrolls of waistband material).

The bandrolls 34 may be produced using any colored fabric and/or fusiblesubstrates and may also include printed, stitched, or sewn-in graphics,logos, branding, text, or other types of images or patterns. Thebandrolls 34 may also be unprinted. The bandrolls 34 may also includelabels such as size and fit labels, garment care instructions, and othertypes of labels.

Thus, are described bandrolls and methods of making and using them,e.g., in waistbands and garments.

CONCLUSION

Where a process is described herein, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the process may operate without any userintervention. In other embodiments, the process includes some humanintervention (e.g., an act is performed by or with the assistance of ahuman).

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some”means “one or more,” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., thephrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs”, and includes thecase of only one ABC.

As used herein, including in the claims, term “at least one” should beunderstood as meaning “one or more”, and therefore includes bothembodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore,dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe featureswith “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature isreferred to as “the” and “the at least one”.

As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. So,for example, “A portion of P” may include some of “P” or all of “P”. Inthe context of a conversation, the term “portion” means some or all ofthe conversation.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “usingat least,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using P” means“using at least P.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word“only”, the phrase “using P” does not mean “using only P.”

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “based on” means“based in part on” or “based, at least in part, on,” and is notexclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “based on factor P” means “based inpart on factor P” or “based, at least in part, on factor P.” Unlessspecifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “based on P”does not mean “based only on P.”

In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word“only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into thatphrase.

As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “distinct” means “atleast partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does notmean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “P is distinct from Q”means that “P is at least partially distinct from Q,” and does not meanthat “P is fully distinct from Q.” Thus, as used herein, including inthe claims, the phrase “P is distinct from Q” means that P differs fromQ in at least some way.

It should be appreciated that the words “first” and “second” in thedescription and claims are used to distinguish or identify, and not toshow a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, the use of letter ornumerical labels (such as “(a)”, “(b)”, and the like) are used to helpdistinguish and/or identify, and not to show any serial or numericallimitation or ordering.

As used herein, including in the claims, the terms “multiple” and“plurality” mean “two or more,” and include the case of “two.” Thus,e.g., the phrase “multiple ABCs,” means “two or more ABCs,” and includes“two ABCs.” Similarly, e.g., the phrase “multiple PQRs,” means “two ormore PQRs,” and includes “two PQRs.”

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values andranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. areused in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally,substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall alsocover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactlyconstant).

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are tobe construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unlessthe context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise”,“including”, “having”, and “contain” and their variations should beunderstood as meaning “including but not limited to”, and are notintended to exclude other components unless specifically so stated.

It will be appreciated that variations to the embodiments of theinvention can be made while still falling within the scope of theinvention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similarpurpose can replace features disclosed in the specification, unlessstated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosedrepresents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similarfeatures.

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values andranges, etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. areused in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally,substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall alsocover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactlyconstant).

Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance”, “such as”, “forexample” (“e.g.,”) and the like, is merely intended to better illustratethe invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of theinvention unless specifically so claimed.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waistband for a garment, the waistbandincluding a bandroll comprising: an absorption layer and a wickinglayer, wherein the absorption layer has stretch properties, and whereinsaid wicking layer controls said stretch properties of said absorptionlayer, and wherein the wicking layer comprises a fusible substrate, andwherein the absorption layer comprises a material substrate havingabsorptive fibers, wherein the waistband comprises a second material andwherein a shrinkage of the material substrate substantially matches ashrinkage of the second material.
 2. The waistband of claim 1, whereinthe fusible substrate comprises a two-way fusible substrate.
 3. Thewaistband of claim 1, wherein the wicking layer comprises wickingfibers.
 4. The waistband of claim 3, wherein the wicking fibers comprisepolyester fibers.
 5. The waistband of claim 1, wherein the wicking layerprovides memory and/or performance to the bandroll.
 6. The waistband ofclaim 1, wherein the absorptive fibers comprise one or more of: cottonfibers, hemp fibers, and bamboo fibers.
 7. The waistband of claim 1,wherein stretch properties of the absorption layer are due, at least inpart, from the material substrate being compacted or being cut on a biasthereof and/or having mechanical stretch and/or comprising an elasticpolyurethane fiber or fabric.
 8. The waistband of claim 1, wherein theabsorption layer comprises a material selected from a group comprising:cotton, poly-cotton, a compacted woven material, and a compacted knitmaterial.
 9. The waistband of the preceding claim 8, wherein theabsorption layer comprises 35% to 100% cotton.
 10. The waistband ofclaim 8, wherein the absorption layer comprises between 1% to 65%polyester.
 11. The waistband of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe absorption layer is perforated.
 12. The waistband of claim 11, andwherein different portions of the absorption layer have differentdegrees of perforation.
 13. The waistband of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the wicking layer is perforated.
 14. The waistband of claim13, wherein at different portions of the wicking layer have differentdegrees of perforation.
 15. The waistband of claim 1, wherein thebandroll is perforated.
 16. The waistband of claim 15, wherein differentportions of the bandroll have different degrees of perforation.
 17. Thewaistband of claim 15, wherein perforations in the bandroll form and/orcomprise one or more repeating patterns.
 18. The waistband of claim 17,wherein the repeating patterns comprise repeating logos and/or text. 19.The waistband of claim 1, wherein the absorption layer is fused with thewicking layer.
 20. A garment comprising a waistband according to claim1, wherein the waistband is a straight waistband or a curved waistband.